Carolyn Jo Gentry

Carolyn Jo Gentry, 73, of Asheville, was called Home by beautiful angels on Friday, March 14, 2014. She left this world quietly and peacefully with her three loving daughters by her side. We were comforted in knowing that our loving father was waiting there with loving, open arms and a sweet smile to greet her. She fought a long, hard battle for four years with various forms of cancer. Carolyn was a graduate of Enka High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Ralph W. Gentry, a graduate of Erwin High School, on June 16, 1960. They lived in Tennessee, Florida and Georgia before returning home to Asheville in 1986. Carolyn will always be remembered by her eyes that lit up, her devious smile, and her glowing spirit. Her welcoming arms touched our hearts and bonded our souls. Carolyn had a great capacity for life with the things she truly loved and cherished the most, that being her children, grandchildren, family and friends. Carolyn was a devoted member of Acton United Methodist Church and cherished her church family. She enjoyed gardening and landscaping her yard, bird watching, and enjoying the outdoors with her dog, Lady, by her side. Carolyn was the daughter of the late Fred and Agnes Parker, of Asheville, and is also preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ralph W. Gentry. She is survived by her three loving daughters, Tonya Jo Gentry Brand (Allen), of Snellville, GA, Tia Gentry Anglin, of Royston, GA, and Jessica Gentry Dyer (Jeremy), of Asheville. She had 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving brother, Sam Parker, and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Parker, of Concord, NC, brother- and sister-in-law, Harvey and Nancy Gentry, of Reno, NV; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. The family will receive family and friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Warren Owens and Pastor Ted Francis officiating. Interment will follow at Acton United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the Hope Center and Asheville Oncology, CarePartners Hospice, and countless medical professionals for all of their support and compassionate care. Memorials may be made to CarePartners, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.